The Bill that will
help individuals with the highest care needs remain independent
for longer, was introduced in Parliament today by Health Secretary
Andy Burnham.
The Personal Care at Home Bill will help around 400,000 people
with the highest care needs. It guarantees free personal care for
280,000 people – including those with serious dementia or
Parkinson's disease – and, will also help around 130,000
people who need home care for the first time to regain their
independence.
This intensive assistance or “re-ablement” will help people to
regain their independence and prevent ill health. This means
people will maintain their dignity and rebuild their confidence so
that they can live at home for longer. Helping people to stay in
their own homes could involve installing new equipment in
people's homes.
The new proposals, which will cost £670 million, are the
Government's first step towards setting up a new National
Care Service – a simple, fair and affordable care system for everyone.
Secretary of State for Health Andy Burnham
said:
"This Bill is the first significant step towards making
our system of care simpler, fairer and more affordable. It offers
help now to the most vulnerable members of our society, most of
whom have already paid out significant sums towards the costs of
their care.
“People want to stay independent by living in their own homes for
as long as possible. But we all face the prospect that one day we
may need help with everyday tasks like washing and dressing.
“This shouldn’t mean that an individual needs to move into
residential care. Offering free personal care at home for those
with the highest needs regardless of their means will help achieve this.”
Notes to Editors
A copy of the Bill and the associated Impact Assessment can be
found at www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Legislation/index.htm
Also published today is a consultation document and an Impact
Assessment on proposals for the regulations and guidance to be
made under the legislation for comments by 23 February. Further
details can be obtained at http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Consultations/Liveconsultations/index.htm
For further information contact the Department of Health press
office on 020 7210 5221
Contacts:
Department of Health
Phone: 020 7210 5221
NDS.DH@coi.gsi.gov.uk